It’s a provocative thought, and you may strongly react to this statement.
One could say that how other people think of us impacts us in many ways.
If you give some time to the thought, you may step back and evaluate how much energy you give to other people’s opinions. Opinions surround us daily – news, advertisements, and other people.
An opinion is a view or judgment about something,
not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
It’s not a black-or-white statement; instead, it’s asking us to step back and reflect on our reactions to opinions around us.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Are they thinking of you as a person or projecting onto you their issues?
- What they say – is it true? Keep asking if it’s valid until you have a definite answer reflecting the scope of their thought.
- Most people don’t know your journey and where you are focusing on for your future.
- You will not please everyone – no matter how hard you try.
- Does what the person said, “feel right to you?” Or is it your insecurity that is holding on to the thought?
Feedback vs. Opinion
I’m all for feedback, as it allows me to evaluate whether there is value in what the person is saying – I still get to decide if there is value.
Their opinions are more about them, not necessarily about me.
Your Self-Worth
It’s important to cherish your self-worth. You have a separate journey from others, even if you share life. It’s your responsibility to create your life, and not everything you hear about yourself supports the life you are forming.
When you care about what others think, you give your power away.
If you trust the person sharing feedback, take it in and mull it over to see where there is value for you. Treasure the people in your life that you trust, whose thoughts are more about feedback and sharing, even though it is still their thoughts.
Support your self-worth before taking in other people’s thoughts.
Seeking approval from others will take a lot of your energy and can reduce how you feel about yourself.
When you think it’s none of your business, it stops you from caring and obsessing about what others think of you. You gain your power back.
Your Thoughts
How do opinions all around your impact your life? Do you get overwhelmed, resentful, angry, or confused, or have some views given you an opportunity to reflect on the subject?
How has someone’s opinion of you negatively impacted you? Did you give yourself time to think about it and figure out if it was about you or them?
Women’s Group Topics
How often have you reacted to another person’s opinion, giving your energy to defend or accept what they think? It’s an excellent topic to discuss how other people’s thoughts of us have impacted our daily lives.
Be well,
Pat
“To fully enjoy the ‘richness’ of our lives, we need to stop long enough to visit with ourselves.”
(Pat Brill)
Other Topics You May Be Interested In
Do You Take the Time to Listen to Yourself?
When Friends Hurt
Playing the Victim?
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